How Much Testosterone do Women Naturally Make?

Testosterone is normally associated with men. Men produce large quantities of testosterone and it is this hormone that has a masculine effect on men. It is responsible for bodily hair, deep voices, muscle bulk and libido (for more information on testosterone in men please follow this link).

Women only produce 5-10% of the amount of testosterone that men produce.

All female testosterone is naturally produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. While the amount of testosterone that women make compared to men is small the effects on bone, libido, energy levels and muscular strength is as equally important.

Do Testosterone Levels Change Over Time?

Yes.

Testosterone levels in the blood fluctuate naturally during the day being high in the early morning and decreasing as the day progresses. There is a small increase in testosterone levels at the time of ovulation.

Testosterone levels can also be affected by external factors (such as smoking, alcohol intake, oral contraceptive, some medications) and by illness.

In women, testosterone steadily declines from the early twenties onwards. A woman in her forties has half the level of testosterone than she did in her twenties.

For more information on the causes of testosterone deficiency in women please go to the next page.